Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences

A large delegation of participants of the international conference “Yusif Mammadaliyev: Science. Heritage. Innovations,” dedicated to the 120th anniversary of prominent scientist and public figure, State Prize laureate, Honored Scientist, Doctor of Chemical Sciences, academician Yusif Mammadaliyev, visited Nakhchivan State University on December 5 as part of their trip to Nakhchivan.

The Authorized Representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, Ceyhun Jalilov; President of ANAS, academician Isa Habibbayli; academician Yusif Mammadaliyev’s daughter, ANAS corresponding member Sevda Mammadaliyeva; and other participants first visited the monument to National Leader Heydar Aliyev on the main square of Nakhchivan city, laid flowers at the monument, and honored his memory.

As part of the event, the Yusif Mammadaliyev Educational-Research Center was inaugurated at the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Agriculture of Nakhchivan State University.

The delegation viewed the exhibition titled “Academician Yusif Mammadaliyev – 120.” The exhibition, dominated by academic and encyclopedic publications, features books, journals, and newspaper materials reflecting the scientist’s life and scholarly work, including articles published in four languages – Azerbaijani, Russian, English, and Hungarian.

The “Academician Yusif Mammadaliyev – 120” corner at the center showcases photographs reflecting the life and work of the distinguished scientist, patents obtained during different periods of his career, certificates, reviews, and letters. It also features an exhibition of high-impact publications and patents resulting from research conducted by university staff in the center’s laboratories, achievements and certificates earned by students, as well as the “Yusif Mammadaliyev Scholarship” diploma and diplomas awarded to winners of the “Best Article” competition among young researchers dedicated to academician Yusif Mammadaliyev.

Participants visited the laboratories operating within the center and observed ongoing experiments. The “Yusif Mammadaliyev – 120” inscription created through chemical reactions prepared by students specializing in chemistry attracted great interest.

During the event held at the University Conservatory building, Rector of Nakhchivan State University Elbrus Isayev welcomed the guests, noting that the scientific traditions established by the distinguished chemist and world-renowned academician Yusif Mammadaliyev continue to play an important guiding role for today’s researchers. He emphasized that this guiding light has illuminated the path for hundreds of scientists. The heritage of Yusif Mammadaliyev, highly valued by National Leader Heydar Aliyev, is extensively studied and passed on to the younger generation at Nakhchivan State University today. A scholarship named after the distinguished academician has been established at the university, and the Yusif Mammadaliyev Educational-Research Center has been launched.

Elbrus Isayev expressed satisfaction with the participation of the conference delegates in the event held at Nakhchivan State University on the occasion of the academician’s 120th anniversary, and thanked everyone involved.

The Authorized Representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, Ceyhun Jalilov, stated that the event is not only an expression of respect for the memory of a scientist but also an opportunity to reflect on the great path of development of Azerbaijani science and to present Yusif Mammadaliyev’s contributions to the history of science to the younger generation in greater depth. He noted that under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, consistent and systematic steps are being taken in Azerbaijan toward modernizing scientific-research infrastructure, expanding the innovation ecosystem, and supporting scientists and young researchers. He stressed that the Decree signed on July 5, 2025, by President Ilham Aliyev on the celebration of the 120th anniversary of the eminent chemist, academician Yusif Mammadaliyev, is a clear expression of the high value placed on science and education, as well as the state-level attention to preserving national scientific heritage and advancing the scientific environment.

It was emphasized that, similar to other regions of the country, the development of science and education, and the establishment of a modern science-education environment, is one of the main priorities in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. In particular, the “State Program for the Socio-Economic Development of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic for 2023–2027” identifies the modernization of science and education, strengthening of the research environment, application of innovative approaches, and improvement of the training of young specialists as strategic goals. The projects to be implemented will open broad prospects for forming the future generation of Azerbaijani scientists and strengthening Nakhchivan’s position as an innovation center.

Ceyhun Jalilov concluded by stating: “We witness that the scientific school created by Yusif Mammadaliyev is still alive today, and his ideas remain relevant in the context of modern challenges. Our state highly values the legacy of such personalities and continues to take consistent steps to ensure that this scientific heritage is duly passed on to future generations.” He respectfully commemorated the memory of academician Yusif Mammadaliyev once again, thanked all those who contributed to the organization of the event, and wished everyone success.

A bas-relief created by the university’s sculpture instructor Elxan Zeynalov and a portrait titled “Academician Yusif Mammadaliyev” painted by Cavid Ismayilov, Honored Artist of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic and Dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts, were presented to Sevda Mammadaliyeva, the academician’s daughter.

The event continued with a cultural program. The Symphony Orchestra of Nakhchivan State University performed a concert titled “Songs Most Listened to and Loved by Academician Yusif Mammadaliyev.”

Honored Art Worker, Professor Sevda Mammadaliyeva noted that the state always highly values the contributions of scientists. She expressed gratitude while recalling National Leader Heydar Aliyev’s participation in Yusif Mammadaliyev’s jubilee events and his initiative to establish a house-museum for the academician. She emphasized that the Decree of President Ilham Aliyev on celebrating the 120th anniversary of Yusif Mammadaliyev is a continuation of this attention and care, and she thanked all those involved in organizing the event.

As part of the jubilee program, a visit was also made to the city of Ordubad, where the distinguished scientist was born and raised. The guests attended the opening ceremony of the renovated monument to academician Yusif Mammadaliyev in Ordubad, laying fresh flowers at its base.

They then visited Yusif Mammadaliyev’s house-museum in Ordubad. The guests were informed about photographs, personal belongings, examples of scientific creativity, and other valuable exhibits reflecting the life and activity of the world-renowned chemist.

Professor Sevda Mammadaliyeva shared her memories of her father.

Translation by Gulhane Aghayeva, Department of Public Relations, Press, and Information, Presidium of ANAS.

© All rights reserved. Reference to www.science.gov.az is required when using materials from this site.